As summer winds down, some of the stars of the perennial bed and the rockeries are still “showing off.” In a south facing rockery Okanogan fameflower (Talinum sedforme) produced small white flowers for a month, only opening on sunny days. We usually spot it on south-facing rocky ridges where little else grows. It is a “fleshy” perennial with a woody base. Many stems give it a cushio shape. After flowering, capsules form and seeds mature. These can be harvested in the fall.

Okanogan fameflower

Daylilies bloom in succession to the end of summer. Pods form at the ends of stems and the seeds can be harvested, to be planted directly into the ground in fall.

daylily

Hollyhocks grow tall and flower in successive waves until the last few blooms at the end of summer. Seeds are abundant and can be collected once the pods dry out.

hollyhock

Near the end of summer and early fall, showy stonecrop (Hylotelephium spectabile) starts to bloom with pink flowers. Bees are attracted to it. We can propagate the plant from root cuttings or even by planting a leaf.

showy sedum

Our lineup of summer stars includes balloon flower and speedwell, and the pollinators which grace our gardens. Click an image for a caption and lightbox view.